INEXPENSIVE OPTIONS FOR TAKEOUT

[@allisonh3278]

That is SO sweet that your son made you dinner! He did a great job!

[@DeborahVictor-nc3pj]

Thank you, Michelle for taking us along for the adventure to find cheap eats. My mom and I find cheap eats thru community services. She has been going to Japanese senior lunch for years. I recently qualified as senior and began taking her. $3.50 a well balanced meal. We are currently trying the ‘American’ lunch locations due to renovations at the Japanese lunch location. Nice not to have to cook once in a while

[@LAactor]

Wait what is community services? Is that in America?

[@LAactor]

Because I love Japanese food!!!!

[@DeborahVictor-nc3pj]

Check into services for seniors, meals/lunches

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a great deal 👍 I agree...everyone needs to have a break from cooking now and then.

[@jenniferlisow2901]

You have some lovely & delicious ethnic restaurants in Irvine. I love the diversity of the dining options. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your budget eating out meals with your son with us. Looks like you both had a great time together. 😀

[@LAactor]

So Cal is a big huge melting pot. Orange County is very Asian. Mexican too but a lot of Asians including Indian

[@ArdentMichelle]

you're welcome 💜 I'm glad you enjoyed this video. It was fun to get out for a bit.

[@carlahoag7154]

One note about eating out: years ago we started adding and subtracting items from sandwiches (particularly fast food, but not limited to it). But then we began to notice that everything was costing a whole lot more than it used to. And while it's true that prices are up, add-ons and up-sizes are way up. So one day we didn't do any up-sizing or add-ons and the ticket was way cheaper.

[@ArdentMichelle]

good point 👍

[@tinashort9098]

My grandson has been gone since April for basic training for the army. He gets to come home for 2 weeks in September. He’s requesting my homemade fried dumplings!! When I make them I usually make about 50 along with crab Rangoon!! It’s so time consuming but so worth it!! Thank you Michelle for always doing the work it takes to make this amazing content!!!! Hope you and Justin and your other son, I’m sorry I don’t know his name, are having a great weekend ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

How exciting! What are you putting in your dumplings?

[@LAactor]

I wonder if your son is going to the same basic as one from Washington State, a content maker named the Brittany Elizabeth. He's away too!! They write letters daily

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

Great series. Thanks for all of the Research. Glad you are enjoying it too!!

[@georgiawise8375]

You have great budget videos.....healthy fast foods are tough to find...yes split it half another day meal.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Omgosh, Those Asian dishes looked wonderful, I hope you do have videos in the future of your ideas. I definitely love all Asian food. I bet it was fun going out with your son to find deals. I do love biscuits and gravy and know what you mean when you say that many times it is underwhelming, I make my own too and really dump in the seasoning. What a fun series of cheaper eats out. Hope your job is going well, have another great week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 the job is going good, thanks for asking! yeah...that homemade gravy is hard to beat. I think they try to have shortcuts to it, and it just doesn't work. Hope you have a great week too! 🌸

[@LAactor]

@@ArdentMichelle If it's ever bland, try adding more salt if not at home. The fat from the gravy won't be there, but it will help some.

[@lenoraw1098]

I wish I had more knowledge of Asian food. You are helping me obtain it and the curiosity to try. Thank you from Oklahoma! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. Hope you enjoy exploring and trying new things! 😁

[@margaretwhiting3073]

@ardentmichelle, since I can’t locate 9/1/24 upload or you didn’t put it out? Either way I’m hoping you are well and having a wonderful holiday. Thank you for teaching me how to budget wisely while eating like I’m not! I have made almost every recipe you have given so far. (Several on repeat!) And to be honest I’m eating so much healthier than before I found you. Thank you for being here!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe..thank you so much 💜 I released a post that should have sent an email out to everyone that is subscribed with notifications on. I just had a busy work week without a day off so I had to skip a week, but I'm working on another video now. I'm so glad my videos have been helpful. Enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you Sunday! 😁

[@CathieG]

Thanks Michelle! This series is so fun! 🤩😍

[@jerrieanderson2245]

I will sometimes pick up a spicy noodle ramen at Dollar Tree and then I will add some peanut butter thinned with warm water and add it to those spicy noodles. Great for those Saturday night cravings. I recently got soup dumplings at Walmart and they were pretty good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

sounds delicious!

[@LindaC616]

Ugh! I was annoyed at Walmart for that! Saw an alarm clock online price, shelf price was $7 higher. Guy at Customer Service said they would match. Went to the cash register, no, online price. So I could have told them to hold it online, gone in, and got it for that price. But I couldn't walk into the store myself, save their employees some work, and buy it. I was so fed up that I just walked away and ordered it from Amazon

[@nanny8675309]

I have experienced the same thing with Walmart and I agree with you that it is a waste of time and energy for their employees. Every now and then you will get a young distracted cashier on their phone and will just do the price match without even paying attention. So, the price match is possible, but sometimes they just follow ridiculous rules.

[@LindaC616]

@nanny8675309 yeah, wasting employees' time is less important than getting hold of your info/marketing. Make it maje sense....shame, bc it's about 1.5 miles from me, and is now the only big box/dept store left on the island where you can find things. BBB is gone, as is something that we had called Christmas Tree Shop as well as a local chain calked Benny's. Now there's a Marshalls, TJ/Home Goods in one store, and Walmart.

[@rachel_3730]

Request: do a video showing your pantry items and how you use them. Rice noodles, sauces etc

[@craftybeachchic]

Great video! Can't wait to see a dumpling video along with some other Asian fare to go along with it 😋

[@Joanna-A7227]

Thanks for showing Subway dippers. I’ll have to try some.

[@LAactor]

Just don't get the pretzel. It's basically bread. The cookies is the only good one and the dippers. The churro is very mediocre as well. But not as bad as the bread pretzel

[@jab7429]

Btw, Libby’s has a good canned sausage gravy. Walmart has it.

[@jab7429]

Biscuits and gravy are ubiquitous but good ones are rare! 2 things I get to test a restaurant I haven’t been to, Mexican it’s chili relleno and regular restaurants it’s biscuits and gravy. Most of the time the biscuits are hockey pucks and if the gravy is a little translucent you know it’s gonna be bad. Lol! I guess I’m kind of a biscuits and gravy aficionado. I never had it in Cali but in Oregon they all have it, it’s cheap and some places have good ones. The best one was from a little coffee kiosk type drive thru. The biscuits were fluffy and soft which is the best!

[@LAactor]

Oh I've heard of Oregon kiosk girls! Dinner AND a show! Or coffee ☕😅

[@susanleinen2402]

Thank you for doing this research for us! Our Ralph’s has some deli deals we include from time to time . $5 for 16 ounces of fried chicken legs -really tasty when they are fresh. $5 cheese or pepperoni flatbread on Monday also a variety of salads for $3.67

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

I would love to see you do a dumpling video Michelle ❤ they're a favorite

[@samanthadodd8112]

Thanks for doing these videos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure!

[@htas6888]

Justin still talking about his meal a week later, made me smile :) I really enjoyed seeing all these possibilities and the prices :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm glad you enjoyed my little excursion out of the kitchen.

[@sallyapplegate4591]

I’m loving this series! Definitely going to look in my town !! Thanks 😊

[@dawnt5587]

I love this series.

[@ArdentMichelle]

me too....even if it's not very popular 😂 It's just nice to get out of this kitchen for a bit.

[@LAactor]

​@@ArdentMichelleit's the algorithm. They do t know how to code it. But it needs to be because it fits in the saving money genre

[@donnalynn6348]

We get the most for our money ordering from local Chinese restaurant. My Mom loves dry beef chow fun and I am addicted toctheir beef with pea pods over crunchy noodles. We get a few meals every time we order one of those.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't found a favorite Chinese place here yet. My family loves Chinese stir fry dishes like that.

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Thank you for sharing this was an absolutely great video can't wait to see next week's video great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks😁 I'll see you Sunday!

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Just a note when ordering food and you tell them to hold the meat , you are usually changed for it. So I always say put the meat on the side. I stopped ordering vegetarian. My husband or son love having the extra meat .

[@corinnec.1918]

I was thinking the same thing and was about to share same comment. I do the same too. If I’m paying for it, I’ll take it and share it with another family member if I don’t want an ingredient, like avocado in poke bowls. My husband doesn’t like and I’ll ask for it on side bc I love avocado 😀, now I get extra without paying extra.

[@ArdentMichelle]

good point 👍

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Breakfast is my favorite at Denny's . I can never eat it all i get the 7.99 senior special with cheese scrambled eggs , 2 sausage 2 bacon and 2 fluffy pancakes . I get extra butter but no syrup . The pancakes are sweet, fluffy. Ive also found our local hospital cafeteria has great burgers. 1/3 lb hamburger, green lettuce , tomato and onion for about 4 dollars. Its so much better than mc donalds. I got it everyday when my hubby was in the hospital last year. The sandwich dippers from Subaru looks quite tasty. I 'll have to try . Thanks for sharing 😊.

[@wyldlibrarian3549]

love your videos. Almost felt like i was there - little bit jealous that we have nothing like this nearby where i live in Aust :D

[@shelzp7272]

Thanks for the tips and ideas 🎶

[@canine6023]

Just wanted to say hi. Hubby and I enjoy your videos so much. Lots of great ideas. Enjoy your day.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them!

[@pek5117]

Be careful with soup dumplings. They can burn your mouth! I've had many vegetarian dumplings and they're still great. Agar agar is popular for its gelatinous properties so that will work. Its way cheaper in California than Sydney! Loved your son taking the food pics!

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh gosh I hadn't even thought about that. I could see how that could be a problem!

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Wow that pasta looks delicious 😋. I love the Morning brand plant base meatball. We stopped eating at Subway because here in Cincinnati, none of the Subway owners honor the sales on the Subway app.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's terrible.😞

[@lindawilson290]

Hello, AM, and thanks for taking us along on your culinary adventure! Everything looked inviting (except for those nasty biscuits & gravy), and I'm looking forward to your recreating them for us. ~ Have a great week! (P.S. Does Justin work in the restaurant industry?)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 No he doesn't work in the restaurant business. Cooking is a passion of his though!

[@lindawilson290]

@@ArdentMichelle Thanks, AM. I really enjoyed his short-lived KZbin channel.

[@aikanae1]

If you have a waba grill they have tacos

[@GloriaNak]

I'd love to see a video if you recreate the peanut noodle salad.

[@moonstoneway2694]

Always inspiring!

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

the bowls look delicioso.

[@kippytx]

How interesting. I loved it

[@donnalynn6348]

And the lesson at El Pollo Loco is that just a spoonful of fresh salsa or pico de gallo can up the ante of your rice and bean dish.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yep 👍

[@helenatkinson4730]

I think for the soup dumplings you pick them up on a traditional soup spoon and take a bite out of the dumpling and then blow on them to cool the broth a little. Then you slurp out the broth and eat the rest of the dumpling after that.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes true 👍 I should have shown that.

[@Susan-l9d]

Loved this video so much. We don’t eat out much….only lunch. The cost is challenging. Our strategy is we order one entree and share.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a good strategy. I loved doing this video. Doesn't look like it's too popular, but at least it was fun. 😂 I'm glad YOU liked it! 😁

[@momof2momof2]

Yummy!

[@codymartin6117]

I absolutely love dim sum❤

[@LAactor]

Shu Mai is my definite buy every time. That and turnip cake. The sticky rice tamale zhong zhi is hit or miss sometimes. Get the mango pudding!! Peking duck is a must splurge!!

[@lizzycat1979]

One of those Bowls you showed in the beginning would cost around 15$ here in Montreal😢

[@ArdentMichelle]

understood 👍 have you been able to find any deals?

[@lizzycat1979]

@@ArdentMichelle recreating fast food meals at home is the best deal I find :)

[@dianethoroughman9541]

There aren't a lot of choices near where i live because it is not a city. There is a restaurant in East Wenatchee, WA, called Mai Lee Thai. Their food is delicious, but pricey, but cheaper than Olive Garden by a hair. Lol. There is a Salvadorean restaurant in the same that is cheaper and so delicious! It is called Salvadorean Pupusas. I have only been there a few times. Also, if you a Taco Bell app, you can get a medium soda pop or regular size freeze during happier hour which is from 2-5 for just 1 dollar plus tax. On a hot day that is really nice. There are a lot of Taco trucks around the two counties near me and if you don't like shredded beef, chicken, or pork, you can ask for something that is vegetarian. You can get coke made in Mexico, horchata, and Tamarindo drinks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think Taco Bell is my all time favorite cheap eats. I didn't know about the happy hour special. Thanks for sharing that. I love food trucks!

[@samanthatheminimalist]

I had din tai fung when I was visiting LA a few months ago, it was amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

everyone raves about that place. I may have to go there for a special occasion celebratory meal sometime. I noticed they have vegan dumplings too. Did you try those?

[@samanthatheminimalist]

@@ArdentMichelle I did! They were good but I think the vegan spicy wontons were my favorite and their bok Choi is SO good!

[@dixiebell7011]

Could I just caution folks not to order scrambled eggs because it is too common for restaurants and institutions to use a liquid substitute for eggs. I order eggs sunny up, over easy, over medium, etc. Such a lovey area and an interesting video

[@LAactor]

I've seen that liquid egg. What's in it Soylent Greens?

[@dixiebell7011]

@LAactor in institutions, restaurants it is used for scrambled and contains common allergens

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

💟 bargain hunting with your son makes it more enjoyable. Yummy food options. Subway has some good coupon deals. Denny used to have specials. One special came with fresh fruit and pancakes and more. I take the pancakes home. I can’t eat it all. I hop and a few other places have a 55+ menu. I am always satisfied but there are no left overs. Fast food places are offering more options for 5 to 7 dollar meals. I get to meals out of the McDonald’s one. SURVEY with McDonald’s gets you free food. I use mine for my favorite breakfast sandwich. The McGriddle. Buy one sandwich get one free. The sandwich keeps fine till the next day if I don’t eat it for dinner. I took a friend for supper and had the survey reward. So I looked like a big spender 😆. Cold noodle salad. I thought I am sure you made one with peanut sauce. $$$ a lot of things changed with Covid and the dollar menu was one. I try and stay as close to the $3 plus tax 0:37 0:37 dollars I used to spend. 😂. I am frugal. I freaked out when I used my EBT card and got fries an an extra hot dog and a larger beverage. It was to far over my frugal budget for cheap eats. Have a great week. God bless you and your family 🩵

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 💜 I hope you're having a great holiday weekend.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle so far an excellent weekend. Family time and some relaxation. I hope you too are enjoying it.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle did you have a video today??

[@Fdt172]

I’m wondering if they use that PB two in the cold noodle peanut salad to enrich the taste of the peanut without adding the oil of the peanut butter

[@LindaC616]

I loooove Xiao Long bao! Wish someone around here had them! I'll settle for Trader Joe's 😊

[@LAactor]

No Chinatown? Where are you?!

[@LindaC616]

@LAactor small city on east coast. Even a restaurant called "Dim Sum" half an hour from me doesn't have them 🤣. A other place that serves dim sum 45 min away, they don't have them either

[@EdrinaCalderon]

I just went to Denny's this past weekend and learned that they use a little pancake batter for their omelets 🤯

[@ArdentMichelle]

saving this info to try in my kitchen! 😁

[@donnalynn6348]

The items at El Pollo Loco ( ours closed here in IL) could probably feed both you and your son.

[@ArdentMichelle]

true 👍

[@DianeMario-ct9tf]

Those chicken bowls are the same price with or without chicken? I would get chicken in both.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah, I should have had them put the chicken on the side for mine.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

The 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pancakes at Denny's are plenty for two people

[@ArdentMichelle]

those pancakes are huge 👍

[@LAactor]

The workforce in general has degraded. The young people have no idea about anything pertaining to the store or promotions

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Awesomely delicious 😋

[@DebbieM1140]

❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜

[@codymartin6117]

❤❤❤

[@LindaC616]

I think they do that bc they know vegans, for the most part, won't budge. They've got 'em

[@ArdentMichelle]

it's one of the reasons I liked the Ikea meal so much.

[@rajimac]

You should encourage your fast food places to get rid of plastic bags and go for paper or no bags or give a discount if people bring their own bags and containers .

[@georgiawise8375]

2.00 pancakes are cheap....enough for 2..wow

[@bettyir4302]

Ack, apps make them $ off your info. We'd rather cook at home 1) flat out can't afford eating out, 2) we have more control over ingredients and 3) less germy.

[@donnalynn6348]

Subway just recently said they are reducing their footlongs to $6.99.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I saw that it was a promotion running for a couple weeks only though.

[@twinnish]

I love Asian food, but after a truly horrific and scary bout of allergic reaction to seafood, I am terrified to eat at Asian restaurants. Mostly because my doctor warned me not to.. he said they were chopping things and had shrimp and lobster flying all over the place (I had an allergic reaction eating a spring vegetable roll) Anyway, I love that you kind of go over these and what the textures in the flavor profiles are supposed to be because I do try to make some things at home because I enjoy it. I allergic to shellfish and I don’t eat pork so I appreciate the vegan and vegetarian Asian foodies online like you that are educating me

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm excited to try the dumplings at home and in fact I think I'm going to be making something today...but not the dumplings yet.

[@LAactor]

And don't forget the oil frying can cross contaminate shrimp in there from butterflies or from in shrimp and pork fried things like egg rolls or fish cakes.

[@LAactor]

​@@ArdentMichelledidn't TJs have some kind of soup dumplings? It's always sold out like the frozen bibimbap sushi burrito thing

[@stefbolton2266]

I was sad to see him mutilate the soup dumpling and all the goodness was lost🙁 you normally pick up the dumpling with a spoon and pierce it a tiny bit , drink out the soup from the spoon then eat the dumpling g right from the spoon. These look so delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

He did that to show my viewers what was inside.

[@LindaC616]

I think they do that bc they know vegans, for the most part, won't budge. They've got 'em